| Abstract |
Orchids are widely distributed in tropics, subtropics, and temperate regions. The
current study was designed to investigate diversity, distribution pattern; ethnobotanical
uses, conservation status and identification of hotspots of family Orchidaceae in western
Himalayas of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan. The phytosociological data was
collected through field surveys of 57 sites in an altitudinal range of 1500 to 3400m,
following standard protocols. Conservation status and ethnobotanical uses were
investigated by IVI and use value index. A total of 32 plants species of family
Orchidaceae belonging to 22 genera were recorded. Allied flora of family Orchidaceae
comprises 297 plant species belonging to 77 families and 181 genera. Analysis of the
biological spectrum revealed Hemicryptophytes as the dominant Life form with 111
species constituting 34% of the local flora whereas Microphylls were found to be the
Dominant leaf spectrum with 147 species (45%).
The dominant species based on the Importance Value Index (IVI) was
Trifolium pratense with an average IVI value of (22.24) followed by Mentha spicata
(20.36), and Angelica glauca (18.88). The average value of Simpson’s diversity index
was calculated as 0.95 whereas Shannon’s wiener diversity index was 3.19 for the studied
communities. The flora exhibited an average Menhinick, s richness value of 4.96 with an
evenness of 0.90. Plant communities showed a moderate succession rate value of
community maturity index recorded as 52.87%.
The conservation status of family Orchidaceae was determined based on the
average IVI value and use value index of species. Six species were identified as
endangered, 11 vulnerable, 10 near threatened, and 5 least concerned. Some areas were
also identified as a hotspot for family Orchidaceae. Indigenous medicinal plants play a
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vital role in the primary health care system of rural areas of Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
Data revealed out of 32 only 18 orchid species had ethnomedicinal utilization in the area.
These species were used for the treatment of digestive disorders, respiratory disorders,
aphrodisiac, and urine problems. Soil analysis of selected sites was also performed and
showed the average values of sodium (0.21), potassium (68.57), phosphorus (97.77),
organic matter (2.58), and pH (7.44) value. The current study identified overgrazing and
overexploitation of medicinal plants as a threat to the local floral biodiversity. Results of
the current research might be helpful for the researchers and policymakers to take steps
for the conservation of threatened and rare orchid species |
